An excessively hot Gulf of Mexico and higher sea levels caused by climate change played a key role in the scale and ongoing destruction by Hurricane Harvey.
But the EPA, the federal agency most responsible for climate science, is lashing out at climate scientists trying to educate the public about the connections between Harvey and a hotter planet. Trump’s climate denial is becoming climate censorship.
Denying climate change puts people in harm’s way. Rising sea levels and stronger storms are real — and unless we take steps to keep fossil fuels in the ground and plan for a changing world, more people will lose their homes or their lives.
Millions of people in South Asia, Yemen, Niger, and beyond are being affected by flooding this week, in addition to Harvey’s overwhelming rains. This is not a coincidence, this is science. July 2017 was the hottest month ever measured on earth, raising the temperature of the Gulf of Mexico, and making Harvey wetter and stronger.
The media is beginning to pick up on the story too: the editor of the Houston Chronicle called Harvey a turning point in the climate debate, economist Jeff Sachs called on climate deniers in the Texas government to resign, and pressure is building.
Our leaders need to speak out for the truth — not punish others for telling it. With the Executive Branch controlled by climate deniers, it’s more important than ever that Congress speak up. Send a message to your Members of Congress telling them to connect the dots and condemn Trump’s climate denial.
The flood waters are still rising. This will be a long recovery. But protecting communities requires telling the truth about the threat.
Thanks for doing your part.
Jamie
Source:
“Harvey should be the turning point in fighting climate change” Washington Post, August 30th.
“Sachs: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, you need to resign” CNN, August 29th.
“EPA says climate scientists trying to ‘politicize’ Texas storm,” Reuters – August 30th.